The Devil's Blood - The Thousandfold Epicentre (2012)

These days I don't find myself checking out that many newer bands and I suppose that's fairly obvious by the releases you've seen me reviewing the past several months. Perhaps its just a by product of getting older and fully realizing that there's tons upon tons of great releases I missed in my youth, but if truth must be told I really don't know. Therefore, its come as a surprise that a band that formed only in 2006 has absolutely possessed me and in that short while really already solidified themselves as a band I utterly adore.

My knowledge of this band actually stretches back a few years to '09 when the first album, 'The Time Of No Time Evermore' was released and although I should have checked it out back then I didn't, quite regrettably too, especially since this second release, 'The Thousandfold Epicentre' has really hit me in a way I can't even describe.

This Dutch band conjures up an archaic sound that recalls late 60's and early 70's psychedelia, specifically similar to Coven and Black Widow, though hardly a full on copy by any means. Lead by passionate female vocals that are both ethereal and soaring in character and enough groove, atmosphere and guitar wizardry to make any listener or musician jealous, simply put - The Devil's Blood is impressive! Although thrown in with the metal crowd, mostly due to the occult lyrics, it must be pointed out that The Devil's Blood is by no means a metal band, but simply a throwback to rock n' roll of long, long ago.

The album opens with a tripped out intro called, 'Unending Singularity,' which bleeds directly into the hard epic rocking, 'On the Wings of Gloria,' which sets the mood for the rest of the album perfectly. Things just get better with, 'Die the Death' and 'Within the Charnel House of Love,' which both have parts that remind me of Jefferson Airplane, in a way, but then I could be bringing something else entirely to mind. Further down the tracklisting we come to, 'The Thousandfold Epicentre,' which is, well - EPIC, to say the least, whereas, 'The Fire Burning' is just so vintage and addictive plus with some of the albums brightest guitar moments too. From there the album takes a more calmer ambient turn with, 'Everlasting Saturnalia,' before breaking into, 'The Madness of Serpents' with full force. The album eventually concludes with fifteen minute ambient, ritualistic and rockin' number called, 'Feverdance.'

Throughout its eleven tracks and seventy four minute run, 'The Thousandfold Epicentre' is spot on and damn near perfect. From the overall song writing, flow, atmosphere, psychedelic vibes and vintage character to the highly flawless musicianship and breathtaking female vocals this album does not relent. Also the booklet has some amazing artwork to go with it plus all of the lyrics, but not in a typical way, in fact its some of the best booklet/lyric artwork I think I've ever seen. And if you have the chance to catch them live, do so, chances are your jaw will be on the floor just a few songs into their set.